X1 Producer: best interface on a budget?

Hi all, I am new here so this subject might have been covered already. I am re-entering the world of software recording after years of using other methods. I'm getting ready to jump into Sonar X1 Producer - after using Pro Audio years ago. What are the best interfaces to use? Here's what I need: 1. minimum of 4 inputs 2. USB 2.0 or 3.0 connection 3. Rack-mount capability or adapter 4. And I'd like to stay in the $300 range or so or less (so I'd be willing to go used) thanks for the help! -ryan

focusrite saffire 6 or scarlett

Oh and it's not an ULTRA low latency device like others on the market but if you have a decent computer you should be fine. I've got mine set to the lowest latency and I'm getting around 7ms roundtrip so that's not 2ms like some other devices will provide but it's more than usable and it isn't noticeable at all (to my ears anyway). The units that DO provide those crazy low latency numbers are usually more expensive with less features too. Also the 18i6 has a direct monitoring feature so if you are just tracking stuff like vocals, guitar (you can't use internal effects plugs when using DM), drums, etc... you can track with zero latency. That doesn't work for soft synths though.

  I'd like to get at least 4 inputs, preferably 6 or 8. I'm looking at the Tascam US1800, or the US800. Do either one of those work with well with Sonar? Again, I'm new at this so thanks for all the info you can provide. :)

Be WARNED with 1010's and MAudio in general if you are going 64bit...Their drivers suck satans balls and cause nothing but issues. How do I know? ...I have one and struggle with the Win7 64 bit drivers.....

I say better off with some MOTU gear...

Frostysnake


M-Audio Delta 1010's are great for a budget...I think you can get them for around $200 now...give or take...I had great success with them when I first started out. Happy hunting and good luck... David

I can't imagine needing 8 interface inputs unless you're recording a full band off the floor.  Your choice on # of inputs on your interface should depend on how many inputs you need at the same time.

If you just have a bunch of devices and instruments you need to plug in, but are still recording one track at a time, then a simple 2-channel interface along a mixer with an alt-bus will likely be cheaper and more flexible than a multi-input interface.

Another vote for the Presonus. I have the 44vsl. It sounds like you need the 1818vsl (I think it's called 1818). I've been pleased with mine.

I will have to chime in and say a good word for the Saffire 6 as well! Check out what you get for the money, especially with the sale, even if it's too late, it's worth it. Crystal clear pres, Novation Bass Station, a set of plug-ins, over a gig of samples, MIDI in/out,XLR/1/4 inputs, Ableton(just saying), headphone A/B for cuing, monitoring for low(er) latency, and I know I'm forgetting something! Under $200, I love mine! 

Focusrite Scarlett 18i6

Jim Roseberry

I'd like to get at least 4 inputs, preferably 6 or 8. I'm looking at the Tascam US1800, or the US800. Do either one of those work with well with Sonar? Again, I'm new at this so thanks for all the info you can provide. :)

FWIW, I'd avoid Tascam USB audio interfaces.
Very high round-trip latency...

I'd point you to the new Audiobox VSL interfaces from Presonus.
Great features for the price... and low round-trip latency.

+1


Tascam = shiiiiiiiiitttteee!

Bristol_Jonesey


The Saffire 6 only has 2 inputs.

+1


err yer 2 :) . I own one.. it's nice enough, to use an external midi unit with it and have to use BOTH of the multi jacks inputs for that.


if you want more inputs go for something with more expandability.


m-audio support has been woeful for me, and their drivers pretty much made me get the saffire, they got told what the issue was with their drivers and 3+ months down the line they weren't fixed.

Are the Presonus or Saffire units rackmountable -- or do they at least have rack adapters? I have the space to rack them in my studio desk, and it sure we be nice to keep them organized and out of the way a bit. -ryan

  Cactus, Well in my environment it's possible that I will need more than 2 inputs, and everyone in a while I may definitely have the need to record live drums or a live show with more inputs. So to have multiple in's would be a plus, even though I wouldn't use them all of time. I would probably record my guitars by mic'ing and amp or using my POD that I have, also. I've read that ppl have just done just fine with Sonar X1 and the US1800 with just a minor bit of tweaking. What's your experience? I have owned other Tascam gear in the past, and have always been happy.

@Jim... I'm curious on your take of the Focusrite Scarlett series (or any of their products really) vs. the Presonus stuff. Mainly latency, drivers and mic pres but general thoughts would be nice too. I really am digging my Scarlett but it seems a lot of folks here like the Presonus interfaces. I'll probably continue as a Focusrite customer until I can afford a MOTU but I do like to learn as much as I can about these types of things and it seems like Presonus is the most comparable to Focusrite in that price range/quality. Cheers.

Focusrite's forte is fidelity.  
Ultra low round-trip latency is not their strongest point.
Good pre's/converters (especially for the price)

If lowest possible round-trip latency is important to you (and you're on somewhat of a budget), you can't beat the Presonus VSL units.  

hi ry1633

My story was I had an M audio fast track and it had a couple of issues, the big one was it kept cutting out. So when I went on line looking for a replacement I spotted the Tascam on sale for $300. I had only had issues when using it with one of my computers under XP 32 bit. But it works OK with my laptop.    

Then I got a  W7 64 bit computer. I was happy to find that the Tascam ran perfectly fine with the new 64 bit drivers. My RTL dropped in half too.
I find the mike pre amps to be very good; lot's of gain and  quiet. This is very important to my way of working.  The box is steel and rack mountable with all the jacks properly secured. It is made like a professional piece of gear, not like most interfaces which are cheap plastic. I like what I hear and I have no complaints about it. 
  
The us1800 replaced the us1641 and is more or less the same unit and drivers. I think they added more meters. I have used Tascam products since the Porta studio days and they have served me well. I will expect this unit will too. .
Having all those inputs is excellent as I can dedicate each one to a source.
Just the right size for live band tracking but you'll still want a mixer to use compression etc. The Tascam lacks channel inserts.  
 
Don't take reviews about gear from people who do not own or use it. The internet is full of both good and bad advice.

Catcus, thanks for that. I'm considering all options and vendors (expect maybe Behringer! ha ha), so your help is greatly appreciated. Under normal circumstances and projects, I'd only need 2 or 4 inputs at a time, but I can foresee times where I'd need more than that. Every piece of TASCAM gear I've ever owned has been solid. The problem is with so many good vendors out there, what do I end up choosing? :)